Forklift Training - General

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Forklift Training - General
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Overview

• Only trained and evaluated operators can drive
  forklifts
• Employer certifies successful completion of
  training and evaluation

1a
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Overview

• Operators can only drive the types of forklifts
  on which they have been trained

1b
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Overview

• Operating a forklift takes
• Skill
• Mechanical knowledge
• Knowledge of workplace hazards

1c
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Overview

• Take forklift out of service if defective

1d
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Forklift rules

• Dont stand or pass under raised forks
• Only handle stable, safely arranged loads
• Only handle loads within trucks rated capacity

2a
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Forklift rules

• Place forks under load as far as possible
• Only tilt load forward while depositing it
• High-lift rider trucks need overhead guards to
  protect operator

2b
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Forklift rules

• Use a safety platform to lift people
• Forklifts must be approved for hazardous
  locations
• Watch where you are going

2c
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Forklift rules

• Never drive up to anyone standing in front of a
  fixed object
• Allow no riders
• Keep arms, legs in truck

2d
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Forklift rules

• Keep the load close to the ground
• Keep to the right
• Obey speed limits

2e
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Forklift rules

• Slow down, sound horn where vision is obstructed
• Maintain safe distances (3 truck lengths) when
  following other trucks
• Do not pass a truck at dangerous locations

2f
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Forklift rules

• No stunt driving or horseplay
• Ensure enough clearance at overhead locations
• Stay within loaded/rated capacity

2g
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Forklift rules

• Use mechanical dock locks or set brakes of
  highway trucks before driving on trailer.
• Follow any special precautions

2h
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Forklift rules

• Keep aisles free when parking forklift
• Lower forks, neutralize controls, shut off
  engine, and set brakes when truck is unattended.

2i
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Training geared for the workplace

• Types of trucks
• Site-specific information

3a
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Training topics

• Operating instructions, warnings, precautions
• Differences between trucks and automobiles
• Truck controls, instrumentation

4a
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Training topics

• Engine and motor operation
• Steering and maneuverability
• Visibility

4b
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Training topics

• Fork and attachment adaptation, operation, use
  limitations
• Vehicle capacity, stability
• Inspection and maintenance

4c
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Training topics

• Refueling/recharging
• Operating limitations
• Other instructions

4d
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Workplace-related training topics

• Surface conditions
• Composition of loads
• Load manipulation

5a
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Workplace-related training topics

• Pedestrian traffic
• Narrow aisles, restricted areas
• Hazardous locations

5b
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Workplace-related training topics

• Ramps, sloped surfaces
• Closed environments
• Unique, potentially hazardous environments

5c
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Differences between trucks and automobiles

• Driver has limited visibility
• Rear-wheel steering
• Different centers of gravity

6a
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Differences between trucks and automobiles

• Controls are different
• Industrial trucks carry heavier loads

6b
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Controls and instrumentation

• Critical to safe operation
• Unintentional, mistaken operation can cause
  serious accidents
• Know where controls are located, what they do,
  how they work

7a
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Engine and motor operation

• Powered by gasoline, LP gas, propane, or battery

8a
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Engine and motor operation

• Knowing how a truck is powered helps to
  understand the trucks capabilities, limitations

8b
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Steering and maneuvering

• Rear-end steering
• Many trucks do not have a standard steering wheel

9a
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Steering and maneuvering

• Operator may need to steer in reverse
• Operator may need to steer with one hand
• Understand the controls for the type of truck
  youre operating

9b
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Operator visibility

• Loads can restrict vision
• Look in the direction youre traveling
• Watch for overhead obstacles

10a
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Operator visibility

• Ensure adequate clearance
• Check blind spots to side and rear

10b
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Forks

• Trucks can be equipped or modified to accept
  attachments for moving odd-shaped loads
• Additions/modifications may affect stability,
  safe operation

11a
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Forks

• Attachments can cause restrictions/limitations to
  operation
• Operate trucks with attachments as being
  partially loaded

11b
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Vehicle capacity

• Only handle loads within trucks rated capacity
• Capacity is found on nameplate

12a
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Vehicle capacity

• Understand limitations for
• how much weight can be handled
• how high the load can be raised
• how far the loads center of gravity can be from
  trucks vertical load rest

12b
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Vehicle stability

• Center of gravity shifts when load is raised
• Truck is less stable with raised load
• Moving an unstable truck can result in tipover

13a
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Vehicle stability

• During a tipover
• Stay with vehicle and lean away from direction of
  fall
• Dont jump downward while truck is tipping
• Keep load at lowest practical point

13b
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Inspection and maintenance

• Follow procedures and schedules
• Keeps forklifts operating safely
• Inspect for damage, defects, unusual conditions

14a
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Inspection and maintenance

• Perform safety checks before operation
• Fork pins and stops
• Cowling and body parts
• Fuel levels
• Belts, hoses, tires

14b
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Inspection and maintenance

• Perform safety checks before operation
• Brakes, steering, controls, hour meter, lights,
  horn
• Remove unsafe trucks from service
• Repairs must be made by authorized person

14c
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Inspection and maintenance

• Perform safety checks before operation
• Remove vehicles from service that emit sparks
• Dont operate trucks with fuel leaks

14d
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Inspection and maintenance

• Perform safety checks before operation
• Remove trucks from service that operate in excess
  of normal operating temperature
• Check water mufflers daily

14e
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Fueling/charging of batteries

• Exposes workers to hazardous chemicals
• Involves electrical hazards, heat build-up,
  generation of gas
• Be aware of all hazards involving fueling and
  battery handling

15a
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Fueling/charging of batteries

• Keep flames, sparks, arcs from fueling areas
• Smoking is not allowed in fueling/charging areas
• Keep tools and metallic objects from top of
  uncovered batteries

15b
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Provide operators with the information they need

• Operating instructions
• Warnings
• Precautions

16a
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Truck-specific information

• Limitations
• Operators manual

16b
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Workplace-specific information

• Loads handled
• Pedestrian traffic
• Traffic routes
• Unique hazards of the facility

17a
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Retraining/re-evaluation

• Triggered by certain events
• Accidents
• Near-misses
• Assignment to different type of truck
• Changes in work environment
• Observation of unsafe operation

18a
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Retraining/re-evaluation

• Evaluate at least every 3 years
• Avoid duplication of training

18b